The one sure thing about any playing career is that it will come to an end at some time, hopefully later rather than sooner. The role of the PFA Coaching Department is to prepare its members for a secondary career within the professional game, possibly within coaching or management. In fact 70% of PFA members claim a desire to stay within football when their playing days are over, and many are confident enough about their knowledge to want to share it with others!

Those governing professional football have introduced mandatory coaching qualifications for key management and coaching positions, and players will need to plan ahead if they want their transition from player to coach to be a smooth one. The table below outlines the award structure, and indicates the time needed to complete. Players should remember that gaining qualifications while still playing can be challenging, but is certainly possible.

The PFA’s Coaching Department is staffed by former players who understand the needs of the professional player, and our courses are exclusive to PFA members. We run them at a time and location to suit a busy playing/training schedule, and the support on offer is tailored to your needs. We have 7 regional staff who regularly visit clubs to work with young scholars (apprentices), delivering Level 2 courses, but they are always happy to speak to pro’s too. If you want advice on the world of coaching and management, speak to the PFA first, our staff have the experience to make your career decisions easier. Many senior players have taken their Level 2 and Level 3 with the PFA, and then met them again on the A Licence at Lilleshall.